Automated Driving Tests See Higher Failure Rate

The Automated Testing Station (ATS) at Gambheeram on the city’s outskirts has come under criticism after a noticeable rise in driving test failures following the shift from a manual to a sensor-based system.

Several applicants who failed the test have questioned the accuracy of the automated process, arguing that it does not reflect their real driving ability. Among them was a senior citizen with over 30 years of driving experience and an international driving licence, who blamed the system after failing the test.

Officials later showed him a video recording of his test, which revealed that he had hit an obstacle on the track without realising it. Motor Vehicle Inspector M. Butchi Raju said the ATS closely evaluates skills such as manoeuvring turns, three-point and five-point turns, and compliance with traffic signals.

Deputy Transport Commissioner R. Ch. Srinivas clarified that the Transport Department only verifies the applicant’s identity and credentials. “The driving test itself is fully automated, with no manual intervention. An RFID card fixed to the vehicle records the candidate’s performance during the test,” he said.

Earlier, Motor Vehicle Inspectors manually assessed candidates on the track, with results sent via SMS on the same day. “Even under the manual system, 20% to 25% of applicants failed. Since the automated system was introduced in January 2025, the failure rate has increased to about 40%,” Mr. Srinivas said.

He added that applicants can now request videos of their driving tests and are advised to watch model test videos for motorcycles and cars. “However, many candidates tend to be overconfident and do not take time to go through the model tests,” he said.